Imagine the stress of having a sick child in the hospital, far from the comforts of home. For many Southland families, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) New Zealand offers a lifeline. The Family Room at Southland Hospital provides a place to stay close to their loved ones.
With four homely rooms, each with an ensuite, parents can stay near the children’s and neonatal wards, ensuring they remain connected and supported.
Demand for this service has grown over recent years, with an average stay of 10 nights (above the national average of 7), and the longest stay extending to 99 nights. The lounge also serves over 1,000 day visitors annually, offering a cosy, home-like respite between treatments or long consultations.
Rooms are allocated based on greatest need, as determined by the medical ward staff. The Family Room Supervisor receives referrals, prioritising families facing extended treatments, high-risk pregnancies, or other serious health concerns. Many guests are from across Southland and Queenstown Lakes Districts, while others journey to Christchurch, Wellington, or Auckland for specialised care – making RMHC NZ’s nationwide network a critical support system.
Keeping this service running relies on a true community effort. The charity is supported by its Founding Mission Partner, McDonald’s, alongside community funders like ILT and ILT Foundation as well as local businesses and individuals who have often had personal experience with the service.
They couldn’t do it without the volunteers – 18 dedicated individuals in Invercargill who help with daily tasks like cleaning and provide general support where needed. They also assist Katelyn Herman, the Community Engagement Advisor with local fundraising efforts, like the recent Brick Show at the Velodrome.
RMHC NZ also runs popular national fundraisers like PJ Day and House to House, offering easy ways for businesses and individuals to contribute. If you’re looking for ways to support, visit their website for plenty of ideas: https://diy-community-fundraising.raisely.com/
ILT is proud to support essential services that provide comfort, safety and improve wellbeing. RMHC NZ is one example, along with our ongoing partnership with Hato Hone St John, bringing lifesaving defibrillators to our community—soon reaching our 80th installation. We’re also committed to organisations like Hospice Southland and the Cancer Society, providing critical care and compassionate support to families during life’s most challenging moments.
Small actions, whether it’s a warm meal for a family, a critical medical device, or a comforting stay near a child’s hospital bed, can have lasting impacts. Through partnerships like RMHC and other essential services, we’re reminded that when communities come together, we create meaningful change for everyone.
